The Big Mixer @ Coco

We recently received a grant through the Kelly for Kids Foundation. Founded by former Buffalo Bills Quarterback Jim Kelly, the foundation helps to improve the quality of life for disabled and disadvantaged children in Western New York. The grant will support our Site-Based Mentoring program that pairs youth with a Big Brother or Big Sister to share a friendship and participate in educational, recreational and cultural activities at a local school or community center. During the grant presentation Mr. Kelly mentioned the importance a special friend and mentor can have in a child’s life. He also recognized Kelly for Kids Foundation employee Patricia Cavalier for serving as a volunteer Big Sister. Big Brothers Big Sisters extends its gratitude to Jim Kelly and the Kelly for…

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County and Media Sponsor, Kiss 98.5 are excited to honor Alex Dockstader as this week’s Women Who Move the City Wednesday Honoree! Alex Dockstader, a Microsoft Channel Specialist at Ingram Micro Inc., exemplifies selflessness and has a strong passion for encouraging others. Weekly she shares her time as a Special Olympics Swim Coach, helping kids improve their swimming skills but also their confidence, drive, and passion. Whether it’s staying after practice to review what was taught that day or providing reassurance and encouragement, Alex is dedicated to her swimmers. It’s this commitment that gives these amazing athletes the confidence to succeed to the best of their abilities and like Alex, a former collegiate swimmer, a love for the sport!…

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County is honored to celebrate Raziya Hill as this week’s Women Who Move the City Wednesday (WWMTC) Honoree!  A native of Buffalo, Raziya is passionate about alleviating financial hardships experienced by families when needing to provide diaper and wipes on a consistent basis. To address this need, she is the Founder and Executive Director of Every Bottom Covered (EBC), a diaper bank that operates out of the Delavan Grider Community Center.  EBC provides diapers and wipes on a monthly basis at no cost to low-income families in the Western New York area. Since partnering with the Delavan Grider Community Center in May 2017, EBC has enrolled over 800 children, with new clients signing up daily! Additionally, Raziya has worked…

This summer 34 Little Brothers & Little Sisters attended Tim Horton Children’s Camp Kentahaten in Campbellsville, Kentucky. For almost all of the kids, this 10 day camp was their first time traveling out of state and participating in an array of amazing outdoor activities. Just imagine the fun and memories made in over a week of ropes courses, kayaking, swimming, disc golf and beach volleyball. In addition to the activities, the kids come back excited about the relationships created with their camp counselors and the new friends they have made from around the country! The funds to provide this wonderful experience are raised through year round events coordinated by the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation, local store owners & of course, the patrons who support their…

What an incredible night celebrating six outstanding Women Who Move the City and raising funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County’s mentoring programs!  Congrats to our honorees: Liz Callahan, Shannon Sommer, Maggie Shea, Susan O’Sullivan, Carmaletta Zandi and Sister Mary Augusta Kaiser!  Thank you to our emcee, Janet Snyder of Kiss 98.5 and to our awards presenters, WWMTC event co-chairs and representatives from event Diamond Sponsors, Phillips Lytle and Ingram Micro.  We hope our honorees will proudly display their unique Women Who Move the City awards that were designed and created locally by our generous sponsor, Steel Crazy Iron Art. A BIG thank you to all of our Event Sponsors– we could not provide such a great event without your generous support!  Our…